Military History Articles

There’s no way around it; history has been shaped by the outcome of innumerable wars and battles fought over everything from religion to territorial disputes to outright revenge over a perceived injustice. Learning about these conflicts is vital to understanding the world we live in today.

Our military coverage spans the ancient world through the Cold War. Discover epic medieval clashes, or fierce battles that caused entire ancient civilizations to crumble. Examine the political intricacies of sprawling conflicts like the Seven Years’ War or the War of Spanish Succession. Explore the devastation of the World Wars, or the fresh conflicts they left in their wake.

There’s also the fascinating evolution of weapons from the Stone Age through the nuclear arms race, as well as the changing military theories and strategies (or lack thereof) powering key decisions. Or you can discover a unique study of how contagious diseases have impacted the outcome of every war in America’s history, from skirmishes with Native Americans to 20th-century biological warfare. 

True stories about the people who fought these conflicts put a human face to the cost of war. You can learn about the Soviet Union’s Night Witches (an all-female regiment of fighter pilots), discover the Mapuche people’s centuries-long military resistance against the Spanish conquistadors, or read war books written by those who were actually there. Whatever draws you into military history, we’re exploring every angle of the conflicts that caused empires to rise and fall, reshaping our world in the process.

1f5ec6bb3d7e-thearchive-tag-feature.png

12 Best Civil War Movies

These gripping films illuminate one of American history's darkest chapters.

The Third Delta Sniper You Didn’t See in Black Hawk Down

The movie overlooks the third Delta sniper who was aboard Super Six-Two, Sgt. 1st Class Brad Halling.

Hannah Snell, the Female Soldier Who Disguised Herself as a Man

She went to great lengths to join the British Army and the Royal Marines.

8 Bittersweet Books About Armistice Day

With World War I's end came a reckoning and a chance to rebuild.

[CLOSED] GIVEAWAY: Win a Bundle of 6 Military History Books!

These unputdownable reads span the Civil War, both World Wars, and Vietnam.

Navajo Code Talker John Kinsel Sr. Passes Away at 107

The clandestine communication of the Navajo saved lives on the battlefield and was vital to success in the Pacific.

Napoleon's Plans Were Thwarted at the Battle of Trafalgar

He intended to invade the United Kingdom, but underestimated their sea power.

6 Riveting Books About the Great Soviet Nuclear War Crisis of 1983

The little-known conflict is explored in the Netflix series Turning Point.

Why the Laotian Civil War is Also Known as the “Secret War”

Untangle this complex conflict that involved global superpowers.